On Sunday, August 27, 2023, eleven priests and thirteen deacons were ordained at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral in Nyamitanga under the direction of Archbishop of Mbarara, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha.
Rev. Fr. Richard Kakuru, Abel Atwiine, Emmanuel Byakwiza, Ernest Sunday, Gordon Muhebwa, Clecent Mandera, Vianey Turyamwijunwaki, Henry Kamugisha, and Bruno Tumwesigye are among the newly ordained priests.
The deacons are Trust Ambrose, Nichlus Mubangizi, Aventino Arinaitwe, Ronald Atwijukire, Gilbert Bikorwaruhanga, Lawrence Turyamureeba, David Tibingana, Moses Atugumya, Alex Baguma, David Bakashaba, Max Mubangizi, Innocent Nuwagaba, and Emmanuel Mucunguzi.
Within the Archdiocese of Mbarara, these recently ordained clergy have been assigned to a number of parishes.
His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha focused on the holy task entrusted to the ordained people throughout the homily and urged them to continue the lessons they have received with unshakable dedication.
He emphasized the tremendous significance of their teachings and activities as guiding lights for the faithful, noting how their teachings nourish Christians spiritually.
The Archbishop emphasized to the ordained that their goal is to serve and mentor other Christians, not just for their own personal advancement.
The head of the Uganda Catholic Laity Conference, Gerevase Ndyanabo, praised the parents for guiding their children toward the priesthood.
The newly ordained clergy were exhorted to be welcomed and treated with respect in the communities where they would serve, and he acknowledged the sacrifices and love that had been made to make this historic occasion possible.
Francis Mwebesa, the trade minister, urged the deacons and priests to act as change agents.
He urged them to tell their congregations about government initiatives, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM).
He stated that they have an impact on practical aspects of community development as well as the spiritual world.
Steven Turyajunwaki, one of the parents of the newly ordained priests, offered his congratulations to the Archbishop as well as the newly ordained clergy.
He understood the importance of the journey they had taken and how it would affect both their lives and the lives of the people they were serving.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Byakweija thanked the parents for playing a caring role in their children’s lives because it is this foundation that the newly ordained will use to establish their ministries.
He emphasized the mutually beneficial relationship between the clergy and the faithful and asked for prayers from the crowd in return for their prayers. He said, “Pray for us as we would pray for you.
Profiles of Priests and Deacons
